Texas Tech basketball could be even better in 2019-20 in some key areas

This team should be much more versatile on offense

Chris Beard’s motion offense can be one of the most difficult schemes in the game to defend because it is a system that does not run set plays. Instead, it revolves around random player movement.  And when that offense is executed by players with versatile offensive games, it can be nearly impossible to stop.

But last year, you could argue that Tech had just two players, Culver and Mooney, that were truly all-around offensive threats.  Other key players like Moretti, Corprew, Brandone Francis or Edwards were primarily spot-up shooters while Tariq Owens was not a player that created offense off the dribble.  And Norense Odiase only got his offense in the paint.

Looking forward to next next year’s roster, we can envision a Tech lineup featuring a handful of players on the court at all times that are all capable of both shooting the ball and creating offense off the dribble.  Clarke, Ramsey, Shannon and Edwards should all provide offense with their jumpers and by getting into the lane off the bounce which will only help to open up the court.

What’s more, the Red Raider big men will be more versatile with the ball next year as well.  Stephen F. Austin grad transfer T.J. Shannon is more mobile and athletic than Odiase and has a more developed offensive skill set.

And freshman forward Tyreek Smith is far more comfortable with the ball than Tariq Owens.  Additionally, redshirt freshman Andre Savrasov is a forward who, like many European bigs, can shoot from the outside but he is also comfortable being physical in the paint.

This will only help to free up deadly shooters like Moretti, Edwards and Corprew for even more open looks from 3-point range.  And by flooding the court with players capable of knocking down outside shots while also putting the ball on the floor, the Red Raider offense will be a nightmare to deal with next season.